Queen of the South just failed to deliver the three points that manager Ian Scott believed would be enough to secure First Division football next season, but they will be happy with a point.

Queens got off to a dream start when David McNiven put them ahead in the first minute. Jim Thomson fired in a powerful cross which McNiven took on the volley from 12 yards.

Queens might have gone 2-0 up 12 minutes later when Stephen Bowey had the ball in the net only to see the linesman's flag raised for offside.

The game turned ugly thanks largely to a shocking challenge by Accies Jean-Philippe Jabary on Bowey which earned the Hamilton player a yellow card.

Shortly before half-time, Queens' Brian McColligan went in hard on Derek Ferguson prompting Ferguson to retaliated with raised hands. Ferguson was lucky to remain on the pitch following further offences.

Just as Queens were looking comfortable and expecting all three points, Accies hit back through a Colin Cramb penalty after Brian Reid brought down Mark Corcoran in the box.